I believe that Bulgaria is a sovereign state and as such it makes its own sovereign decisions. Statements like that of Maria Zakharova are not in the tone of diplomacy and democracy. This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Gabriel on bTV.
When asked if she summoned the Russian ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova, she explained: “At every moment or situation where there was an occasion for such conversations, it happened. We have our right to defend our decisions.”
“The place of the Monument to the Soviet Army is in the museum. Bulgaria is in the EU and in NATO, we have made our choice. Solidarity with Ukraine is solidarity with democratic principles. We see how important it is to continue supporting Ukraine consistently and with whatever is necessary, because the conflict is far from affecting Ukraine alone. After all, the Black Sea is important to us, right?”, she stressed.
Prime Minister Denkov: Categorically, Maria Gabriel should be the next Prime Minister
Gabriel added that it is important in this process not to remain only in the position of debating something that is a clear truth – the Russian aggression in Ukraine was started by Russia. Ukraine has the right to defend itself. Bulgaria has an active role and defends its position.
“We have a rotation, we have a government, every day the parties find a way to dialogue. I believe that for six months, Bulgaria has maintained such a consistent position regarding Schengen, the Eurozone, and paying attention to important social issues. Perhaps we should give greater visibility to the good that has been done, so that misunderstandings and polemics do not take precedence”, said the Deputy Prime Minister.
She believes that for the rotation to happen, it will be a manifestation of political maturity, and Bulgaria has shown in the last six months that it is capable of this. “Before the rotation takes place, there is an important moment where everyone, including me, will be evaluated. It is important that Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and I have a clear assessment of the achievements of each minister, as well as the satisfaction of the citizens. At this stage, I see no reason to deviate from our agreement of 6 months ago.”
“Bulgaria insists that we have a clear time frame for entering Schengen by the end of the year. We have a position that is strong because of the indicators and the facts,” explained the Deputy Prime Minister.
“We have good coordination with regard to the National Assembly, the executive power and the MEPs. By entering Schengen, Bulgaria will contribute to making the space better functioning and stronger. “Bulgaria understands the internal political situations, but will defend what it has won,” she emphasized.
“The idea of gradual entry into Schengen is not new. There are two aspects to consider. If we have a phased accession that outlines entry by air, sea and land – it would give us great clarity and be able to position ourselves at the end of a process. Our results are for land borders. We have to stand up for what we want for what we deserve. Countries that have reservations should know that it is good to rely on Bulgaria’s voice in the coming months and years, when the topic of migration will be raised at the European level,” added the Deputy Prime Minister.
“It is not about new conditions with Austria, but about more trust. It is important for us that whatever additional voluntary measures there are, they should contribute to the better functioning of the Dublin Agreement, to raise the topic of the Schengen area, which needs to be improved,” said Gabriel.
“There is no reason to believe that there will be a separation of Bulgaria and Romania for Schengen. We are extremely coordinated. It is important that Bulgaria and Romania defend their position together. Hungary did not surprise us. I had a conversation with the foreign minister in which he said very clearly that for them the gas issue is related to their national security. That’s how important it is to be a reliable partner. Hungary clearly and diplomatically announced its demand. It is our responsibility to do everything possible so that there are no surprises.”
Regarding Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov, the Deputy Prime Minister added: “I work wonderfully with him. I think that what we are seeing on the subject of Schengen is a clear assessment of how Bulgaria works in sync between the interior and foreign ministries.”
She recalled that each of the ministers was discussed between her and Academician Nikolay Denkov.
About the hijacked Bulgarian ship “Rouen” Gabriel announced: “We have information from the first hour when the hijacking of the ship took place. We are in constant contact with all institutions and international partners to assist in the situation. For us, the good health of our compatriots and their return is paramount. They are fine now.”
2023-12-17 21:32:21
#Maria #Gabriel #manifestation #political #maturity #rotation #happen #Politics #News
